What does it all mean? Your credit score is a simple 3-digit number that defines your ability to obtain credit. Your credit report is filled with your whole credit history. Your credit score is determined from values given to the information in your credit report. Your numerical score gives a potential creditor a quick idea of how likely you are to pay back the loan on time.
A creditor compares your credit score to the scores of other people they loan money to. This is their measure of risk versus reward. The higher your score, the more reliable you have proved in the past at repaying debt. The lower your score, the greater risk you are to a creditor, so the higher rate of interest they will charge. Credit score is not the sole determining factor, but lenders weigh the score very heavily. The number can range from 300 to 900. The five main categories that determine your credit score are, in order of importance :Payment History, Amounts Owned, Length of Credit History, New Credit,
and Types of Credit Cards Used.
The main scoring system is run by FICO. In the early 1980s, FICO joined forces with the top three credit bureaus to come up with a credible scoring system. The standard set by this group still determines credit ratings today. FICO's website, www.myfico.com, is among the best places to check your credit score, with many packages offered to allow you to check for identity theft, an updated FICO score, and credit reports from the 3 credit bureaus.